OSU’S Wexner Medical Center and Mt. Carmel Health System announced today they will team up in what they say is an effort to improve health care in Central Ohio.

“We see this as the latest step in an evolving process of building upon our common goals to create even greater quality and value for our patients,” said Dr. Steven Gabbe, head of the OSU’s Wexner Medical Center.

Officials stress the move is not a merger.

Mt. Carmel and Ohio State will remain independent with separate facilities and staff. Hospital executives told reporters today,the goal is to deliver better health to the community and eliminate duplication of services.